Invincible ruler for nearly three
decades, PresidentAlfredo Stroessner
(above, at right) chats with his top
politicallieutenant,JuanR. Chdvez,
chief of Paraguay'sdominant
ColoradoParty.General Stroessner,
69, rose to power in 1954 when, as
head of the armedforces, he led the
overthrow of PresidentFederico
Chdvez in a bloody coup. A tireless
worker, if uninspiringpublic
speaker, Stroessnerhas been
described as an "elected autocrat."
When his regime is accused of
repression, Stroessner'susual
response is that strong action is
necessary againstthose he calls
Communists. Though he has no
serious political opposition,
Stroessnermakes frequent public
appearances,as if constantly
campaigning.With members of his
cabinet, he sits front and center at
the dedicationof a new gymnasium
in Asuncidn, while ranks of white
coated generals look on (right).
'eacedo
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